Announcements
Payne Sworn in a South Pasadena police chief
SOUTH PASADENA - With a simple "I will" Joe Payne was sworn in as the city's new police chief Wednesday night, pledging to protect the constitution and perform his duties. "I truly appreciate this and I will not let you down I will work as hard as I've ever to make sure South Pasadena is a great place to live," Payne said. "I am truly proud and just beyond words for this honor." The council chambers were packed with residents and police from South Pasadena and neighboring cities, clapping after Payne's wife Joan pinned the badge to his chest. Payne was appointed by City Manager John Davidson in September, replacing Dan Watson who resigned in December. The selection process was met with controversy and speculation from residents who didn't believe he was the best choice and that Watson had been driven out. "I'm glad it's over," said Richard Schneider, South Pasadena mayor, moments after the ceremony. "We'll move forward now." Councilman Philip Putnam regretted seeing Watson go. "You're always going to be sad to see a police chief go, but Joe Payne will do a fantastic job," Putnam said. "I expect him to run an honest, clean, efficient police department and I have the upmost certainty that he will." A South Pasadena resident, Payne beat out former Maywood Chief Frank Hauptmann for the position. Payne retired from the department in 2007, after serving for 35 years. During his retirement he worked as a background investigator for the Los Angeles Police Department. Payne started his new position as the new police chief without a contract from the city, officials said. Davidson said he planned to have a contract agreement presented to the City Council by Oct. 20. Assistant City Manager Sergio Gonzalez said Payne is currently salaried at $9,449 a month. "I want to reform our traffic efforts," Payne said shortly after it was announced he would be police chief. "Specialized enforcement is not the answer." Working with the department, fire and city staff he also plans on increasing South Pasadena's emergency preparedness.
2011 Special Olmpics Torch Run
Grab your running shoes as the 2011 Special Olympics Torch Run will be held on Thursday, June 14, 2011. As in year's past, we will pick up the torch from Alhambra PD on June 13, 2011 and we will hold on to it overnight. We will start to run with the torch at 0800 hours and pass it on to LAPD Northeast Division.
The run is about three miles long and will start at Fremont/Alhambra Road and go north on Fremont, east on Huntington, north on Fair Oaks then west on Monterey to the York Bridge.
POA Messages
South Pasadena Police Officers' Association |
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